Union Statutes

The European Economic Interest Grouping of the Senators is established pursuant to Council Regulation (EEC) No. 2137/85 on the European Economic Interest Grouping (EEIG). The EEIG acquires full legal capacity within the entire European Community upon registration in the competent register.

The purpose of this EEIG is to facilitate and develop the economic activities of its members, to improve and increase the results of these activities through cooperation and coordination in the field of European economic development.

The EEIG serves as an auxiliary company to support members in achieving their own economic objectives. It is not itself oriented towards profit generation, but towards promoting the economic results of its members.

Special provision: The Union may not incur debts, nor may it enter into liabilities, mortgages or loans. It may only use the financial resources actually available.

The EEIG carries out activities that are ancillary to the economic activities of its members, including but not limited to:

• Facilitating business cooperation between European nations
• Promoting economic development initiatives
• Providing strategic advisory and consulting services
• Organising conferences and networking events
• Research and development in economic cooperation
• Support in the areas of economy, science, culture and social-humanitarian affairs

Membership is open to natural and legal persons who are involved in economic activities and are nationals of or established in member states of the European Union.

When establishing an EEIG, a cross-border connection must exist, i.e. a connection of members to at least two different member states.

Membership rights:

• Each member normally has one vote
• Participation in the general assembly
• Access to EEIG services and resources
• Opportunity to help shape the Union

Associate members: Members from third countries (outside the EU) may be admitted as associate members. They have special rights and obligations that are governed by the statutes.

The EEIG is managed by its members or by one or more managers appointed by the members. The management structure shall ensure effective governance and decision-making processes.

The affairs of the EEIG are conducted by one or more natural persons appointed by the founding treaty or by resolution of the members.

Management bodies:

• The President: Represents the EEIG externally and manages current affairs
• The Presidium: Advises and supports the President on strategic matters
• The Senators: Represent the members and their interests

The manager represents and commits the EEIG vis-a-vis third parties, even if their actions do not fall within the corporate purpose of the grouping.

The registered office of the EEIG must be located in the European Economic Area (EEA). It may be transferred within the Community under certain conditions (including unanimous decision).

The EEIG must be registered in the register designated by the individual member states for this purpose. Registration confers full legal capacity on the EEIG throughout the Community.

The details of every formation or dissolution of an EEIG must be published in the Official Journal of the European Communities.

The managers are obliged to ensure proper accounting of the grouping and to prepare the annual accounts.

Special provision for our Union: The Union is registered as a "non-economic organisation". Accounting and annual accounts are governed by Section 7 Annual Accounts of the union statutes.

In principle, members of an EEIG are liable without limitation and jointly and severally for its liabilities pursuant to Art. 24 Regulation (EEC) No. 2137/85. This takes the form of "subsidiary liability", i.e. the EEIG itself is liable first, and only then the members.

Special liability provision of our Union:

Liability of members is excluded, as our Union of Senators may only use the financial resources actually available and may not incur any liabilities (debts).

This provision protects members from financial risks and ensures that the Union only operates within its existing resources.

These union statutes are based on the following legal foundations:

• Council Regulation (EEC) No. 2137/85 on the European Economic Interest Grouping (EEIG)
• German EEIG Implementation Act of 22 April 1982
• BMF circular of 15.11.1988- IV C5- S1316 67/88

Due to the hierarchy of norms, the EEIG Regulation constitutes higher-ranking law vis-a-vis the German implementation provisions.